My 4 year old ds2 started reception on Monday. He's at a lovely little village school which does extremely well. His teacher is lovely, and I have a good feeling about her.
He has had no formal nursery education except for 2 half days per week at a pre school when we lived abroard. I have mostly stayed home with him since he was born.
He has always been a very headstrong boy (polar opposite of his elder brother), who does not like rules and regulations, but responds well to routine and structure. He's bright, very inquisitive, funny, loving and caring.
Anyway, so he started school, and I had my heart in my mouth, because I just knew he'd react against everything, just like he did at his pre school abroard. His teacher there, was amazing and within a few weeks he had calmed down and was doing quite well, but was still a bit of a handful. At school here he's started hitting other children (something which he gave up a year ago), hiding under tables, refusing to sit on the mat for story time, shouting out constantly in assembly for his brother, who is mortified by his behaviour.
I know his new environment must be very bewildering for him and he's probably testing his boundaries until he knows what's expected of him, and yes, he'll probably settle down. But, I sometimes wonder why he reacts in such an extreme way to unfamiliar situations. He kept flopping to the floor today at school and 'tuning out' from his teacher. I know children deal with things in different ways, but his behaviour is really worrying at times. When he's at family functions (there's a lot of us)you can count on him jumping on the furniture, constantly wanting to rough and tumble with the adults, and generally being really hyperactive.
He learns really quickly though, so there doesn't seem to be any problems in that area. He'll concentrate for long periods of time on things that interest him. He loves books and will sit still when I'm reading to him. He loves role and imaginary play, he also loves his ds.
I feel a bit raw, emotionally, at the moment. I wonder if there might be something else going on with him.
His teacher abroad and here have said he does display a couple of ASD traits, but his teacher said it's far too soon to make a proper assessment.
I am totally at odds to know what to do. I feel I've failed him.
He told me he ripped up his 'good behaviour' stickers today at school. He said this with a smile on his face.